Pints in the Park 2019

Waco's 5th Annual Pints in the Park took place a day later than expected this year, but that did little to disrupt event goers and eager BBQ fans. Set up right alongside a higher than usual Brazos River, the event collected brewers and BBQ from the Waco, Austin, DFW, and neighboring areas.

Goldees BBQ Brisket

BBQ vendors included Texas Monthly Top 50 joints Bodacious BBQ & Evie Mae's Pit BBQ, alongside Guess Family Barbecue, Brett's Backyard BBQ & Helberg BBQ which have checked in on more recent lists. The lineup also included emerging names on the pop-up/catering scene Dayne's Craft BBQ & Roster's Blue Cord BBQ, as well as local eatery Honky Tonk Kid BBQ. The highly anticipated debut of the Goldees BBQ crew rounded out a relatively small but well known & talented group.

Texas BBQ fans are certainly familiar with Dylan Taylor from Goldees BBQ from his stints at some of the best BBQ spots in the state. Its been awhile since most of us have seen him behind a block, but a little more patient waiting will see the talented crew apply their passion at the new DFW location.

Pork steaks from Brett's Backyard BBQ getting a smoke and flip. These beauties were then given a final sear on a custom made grill before going out to the crowd.

If you follow pit builders on social media, chances are you have seen the work rolling through the Backline Fabrication shop. Their Santa Maria style grill for Rossler's Blue Cord BBQ handled tri-tips and brisket sliders like champ. If you do enough business, they may even come help work the grill!

Oyster prep from the boys at Guess Family Barbecue

Dayne's Craft BBQ doing work on their El Cucaracho 500 gallon smoker.

Smoking on site often provides some challenges when prepping for events, but nowadays smokers are getting too well known to not showoff for the crowds.

Helberg BBQ

Smoked ribeye steaks from Evie Mae's BBQ got a final direct sear in a repurposed propane tank. The caveman style, or cowboy style as remarked on Sunday, certainly added an extra layer of flavor as well as on lookers.

Brisket, Texas Hot Guts and killer banana pudding from the Goldees Crew. The brisket was perfect and the other bites were right there with it.

Kansas based Caramelo Tortillas have become well known in Texas BBQ circles. They were put to good use by Rossler's Blue Cord BBQ for tri-tip tacos, and also Helberg BBQ which served up mini smoked pork steak tacos.

BBQ events often give opportunity to present new and creative off-menu dishes, and yet, in Texas, brisket remains a prime go to. Waco's Honky Tonk Kid BBQ served up brisket and pulled pork sandwiches to hungry patrons.

Schmidt Family BBQ

The team from Rossler's Blue Cord BBQ is familiar staple on the BBQ trail, and is now fast becoming one of the most booked catering crews in the area. You better get on their schedule while you still can.

Guess Family Barbecue brought their live-fire playground to roast oysters for the crowd. The beauty of this rig drew on lookers, but the heat this baby puts out only holds the most diehard BBQ lovers close.

VIP guests to Pints in the Park were treated to perfect prime rib from Bodacious BBQ. Their newest rig also comes with with a sliding out coal box which allows for quick searing after after items gets a smoke bath.

Breaking from recent BBQ norms, Pints in the Park provided a more intimate event that produced shorter lines than most any food event. The short wait times allowed for faster samples and more time to chat with the crews behind the tables.

Smoked pork steak from Helberg BBQ ready to take the next step into tacos.

Brisket, cheddar sausage, reverse seared ribeye and beef tallow green beans provided an array of great bites as event goers just got started in Waco.

Smoked loganisa sausage with crawfish pimento on a saltine from Helberg BBQ. I feel that good pimento dishes are vastly underused in BBQ and this offering was executed really well. Great flavors and well balanced.

Oysters Oaxaca-feller from Guess Family Barbecue. Gulf oyster, lump crab, poblano cream, mezcal chipotle sausage, all topped with a chicharron. I got real familiar with these. Easily one of the most flavorful bites of the day.

Schmidt Family BBQ ready to get brisket out to the entering crowd.

Bacon Brisket tacos from Dayne's Craft BBQ. Smoked pork belly topped with feta crumbles, drizzled with chili-infused honey, all atop a warm homemade tortilla. The DFW BBQ scene is getting stronger by the day.

You could say I was in the right place at the right time as Dayne's Craft BBQ was slicing up some of their brisket. I was sure thankful for quick shot and bite.

The BBQ faithful came from all over Texas to show the BBQ family some love, and you know of course eat!!!

Reverse seared pork steak tacos from Brett's Backyard Bar-B-Que. The sneaky pineapple pieces made for a refreshing bite on a hot day in Waco.

A new rendition of Texas Hot Guts from Goldees BBQ. Coming soon!

Reverse-flow smoker from Evie Mae's BBQ.

Nothing beats the smell of burning wood for coals. Even though the day was plenty hot on its own, I couldn't resist studying thing rig. The fact that the oysters were near by didn't hurt either.